CDC adds Fiji to virus caution list

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April 5, 2016 12:44 PM

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are seen at the Laboratory of Entomology and Ecology of the Dengue Branch of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in San Juan, March 6, 2016.

The Center for Disease Control, CDC on Monday April 4, 2016 added Fiji to the list of Zika virus caution countries.

CDC urged pregnant women to avoid the caution countries for now, and use condoms if their partners have visited listed countries recently.

“Travelers to areas with cases of Zika virus infection are at risk of being infected with the Zika virus," the CDC said in its notice.

“Mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters. They also bite at night. There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika virus. The best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites.

"To help stop the spread of Zika, travelers should use insect repellent for three weeks after travel to prevent mosquito bites," the CDC advised.

CDC further urged travellers to watch out for the symptoms of the virus..

"People who do have symptoms have reported fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes," the CDC said.

Zika patients to take acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain. "Do not take aspirin, products containing aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen," CDC advises.

"Travelers to areas with Zika should monitor for symptoms or sickness upon return. If they become sick, they should tell their healthcare professional when and where they have traveled."

Zika has been associated with several birth defects.

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